Saturday Wordzzle

This is week 96 of the Saturday Wordzzle Challenge. Anyone new to the process can refer to Ravens Nest find out how it works.

KIT

The weary Politician - sat in the dew-kissed garden,

this was his - favorite time of day..

With his head bowed - he innately wished,

the pressure he felt - would go away..

For the Legislative Bill - he sat reading,

seemed smelly - was against his true belief..

He didn't feel - that he could genuinely support it,

while his heart held - a feeling, of heavy grief.

But, as a token gesture - had said he'd consider,

joining with others - in this decision to be made..

Yet, now the contents - of what he'd just read,

showed him - just how far, politicians had strayed..

Now he inwardly knew - what his higher self had to do,

and, as he stood - he began walking confidently away..

For his choice had been made - it was to speak out with,

honesty and courage - for the people of his, beloved USA.

Charly

Surrounded by trees and a flower GARDEN, the one-room schoolhouse stood alone on the outside of town. After a long, hot summer, days were cooling off and school had opened for another school year. The school bell rang. Picking up her lunch pail, Emily gave one last hug to Sunshine, her FAVORITE pony, and went inside. She was a happy little girl and was glad to be back in school. She liked reading and seeing her friends. The class was excited today as the local POLITICIAN, newly elected Governor, was to pay a visit to the classroom. He was visiting the class as a TOKEN GESTURE to a kindness the teacher had done for the town. Emily heard Sunshine whinny so asked permission to go see what was wrong. She looked out the door and running down the steps, stooped to pick up a rock. As she threw it, she yelled, "Get away from my pony, you SMELLY old skunk". Looking to her left she saw the horse and rider coming. She rushed back in and told the teacher. The teacher prepared the class for their visitor telling them to be on their best behavior and be quiet. Emily could hardly sit still. As the Governor came through the door she jumped up and ran towards him. He scooped her up. Her small arms wrapped around his neck; looking at him she said, 'Hi, daddy!'.

Blogger:

It was amazing what a lovely cup of tea could do to change one’s attitude. After Gandalf had carefully procured it, he leaned back in satisfaction. People just didn’t understand the pressure he faced being the wizard of Good. A knock on the door admitted Badger, followed by a train of pixies. “We want to help, Gandalf,” began Badger. All of your stories talk about Hobbits and Elves, but we feel left out! We’re on the side of Good, too!” The pixies echoed this in a high pitched chorus. (Truthfully, it sounded a bit like a mosquito whine – one of the reasons the Author had left that particular group out). The old wizard thoughtfully scratched his head, then switched to his beard. Then he stopped, frozen with a thought. “Alright,” he began, “I think I can use you in the next adventure. And the Author will just have to go along with the process. First, we’ll roll out the barrel that is in the back garden. It’s over by that smelly refuse pile. Then we’ll add wheels and controls. Next, the pixies will climb on board and proceed at top gear to the house of the politician in the next village.” They jumped up and down excitedly. Badger pouted, “I did not hear anything about Badgers in that.” Gandalf replied, “I’m coming to that. You will be in the barrel. When it reaches the politician’s favorite rose bush, the pixies will slam into reverse and you’ll shoot out of the barrel. You will, in one bite, eat his blasted rose bush.”

The Badger nodded slowly but then asked, “umm…Gandalf, how is that going to help the cause of Good?” The wizard answered, “The last time that politician started talking about our Author he referred to him as one who leads children’s minds into darkness and mysticism. It’s only a token gesture to destroy the rose bush (you wouldn’t believe how much time and effort he spends cultivating that instead of his mind). You will then address him and tell him that talking Badgers are real and important, and (with a slight incline of his head towards them) so are pixies.” The Badger cautiously asked the next question. “But is that Good?” Gandalf shook his head irritably. “Perhaps not entirely, but if we let the politicians decide what is good fantasy or bad, we will have none at all, and that would definitely NOT be Good!” The Badger threw back his shoulders, said, “C’mon then” to the pixies and headed for the garden.

Saturday Wordzzle

We're back again with the Wordzzle game again. Raven hosts this fun game in which writers (or those of us aspiring to be writers) use 5, 10, or 15 words to make a paragraph, poem or a story. Three of us from Reston play regularly, and we'd love to have more! E-mail us or visit Raven to find out how!

This week's words were: alternate reality, shadows, frantic, tomatoes, field, lilies, DVD, snow mobile, aggravation, music

And for the mini: grounds for divorce, pink panther, salutations, wavering, lasagne

KIT:

Once, lilies and tomatoes grew - upon this land,

in the field - my eyes now see..

And, only shadows - of a Summers' day,

are represented in mind - by a standing tree..

Now, snow has covered - all the ground,

an alternate reality - of what had been..

And, as a snowmobile - stalls and stops, a frantic,

operator with aggravation - wishes, she'd brought a friend.

After what seemed hours - she got the motor going,

and, finally - was able to head home..

Thoughts were filled - with heartfelt gratefulness,

she somehow knew - she'd not been alone..

For, the Universe had sent Angels - to aid her,

in performing that task - she needed to do..

So with patience she'd sat - recalling teachings,

that a Higher Presence - is always with you.

Having reached home - she relaxed by the fire,

feeling safe and secure - into the night..

Knowing she was here - because she'd not given up,

and that she'd been protected - by the Light..

The DVD player - held one of her favorite movies,

one she loved - had watched and watched..

And the music - that was now heard playing,

assured her - that home, is truly her Camelot.

Charly:

As the sun set and twilight approached, loneliness arrived. Robert sat in his dim-lit living room. It was his birthday and he was alone as his son and daughter lived out of state. He had out-lived his wife and a sibling. His daughter, Tracy, having GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE was WAVERING with decisions that would change her life. He was rereading the card of SALUTATIONS she had sent. His son, Kevin had called earlier in the day to wish him well. Was he feeling sorry for himself: perhaps. But he did count his blessings as he had good health and had made new friends while volunteering at the local library. He was captured by the beauty and kindness of a certain lady. He never missed his volunteer day as it offered the chance to chat with Mz. Vicki. He turned his television on and saw that the PINK PANTHER was showing. He got up and walked toward the kitchen to get his dinner. To celebrate he was having LASAGNA; a family favorite that brought back fond memories of his wife and kids. The doorbell rang so he turned to go answer the door, hoping it was his friend from next door coming to visit. Opening the door, his eyes glistened with tears...there standing before him were Tracy and Kevin. They had driven all night to be with him on his 70th birthday. Having them there, turned this 'birthday' into a special time - the loneliness evaporated as he ushered them inside......and no, the lasagna did not burn...

Blogger:

Cara popped the DVD into the player and began her snow mobile challenge on the Wii. There was a fair amount of aggravation prompted by the fact that the game’s comments were a bit snarky, but she had learned to ignore them. As she focused on the alternate reality in which she found herself she tensed her shoulders for the frantic pace she knew was coming just around the next corner as forecast by the crescendo in the music. Sure enough, out of the shadows came the pursuers. Cara pointed the nose down and fled across a field. Firing button “1” she kept lobbing tomatoes at the ones behind her, occasionally scoring a hit. She laughed delightedly when that happened but kept her eyes on the prize ahead. Banking left, banking right, hummock hopping, jarring her imagined spine on the imagined course and now she could see the palace of flowers on the horizon that signified winning the course. The palace was made by a different arrangement each time, and this time the princess towers were tall lilies waving with encouragement – or was it distraction? Cara pressed down further to accelerate, taking every zig and zag to maximize her speed. Now she could even see the princess waving to her. As usual at this point, Cara got annoyed again. Imagine in the 21^st century having to rescue a princess in a palace as a game goal. Suddenly, BAM! The snowmobile, her Mii and all the remaining tomatoes splashed all over the course as the fastest of the pursuers caught up with her and used the giant pounder to flatten her character. She sat back, and knew that that whole princess thing had distracted her once again.

Wordzzle is Back

The Wordzzle is a game created and hosted by Raven. She gives us two sets of words - five and ten. Use five for the mini, ten for the regular, and all 15 for the maxi. Use the words in a paragraph or short story (shorter is better so the dragons won't roar at you). If you'd like to play, check her site, write something up, ande-mail it to us or post it on your own blog and link to Raven!

Two of our Friends members and volunteers participate regularly - one from Florida and one locally. The blogger also participates when she has her act together.

Tell us what you think and come join us! It's a fun way to stretch your brain!

This week's words were: space cadet, silver lining, wood, turtle soup, minaret, ice, grease, sales, mandala, mug And for the mini: broken bones, slide rule, garbage, Chinese, sanguine

First, Kit:

A new year; a new day - a new opportunity,
to see dreams unfold - hopes fulfilled with time..
A time to reflect and - discard mental garbage,
that appeared as broken bones - to the mind..
But, healing of mind & body - is quickly dealt with,
wihen life's slide-rule performs -in universal measures..
For often times - changes that come into our lives,
are given - as keys to many, unknown treasures.

So, in this year ahead - give yourself a gift,
a gift of flexibility - and maintain a sanguine mood..
Be as the Chinese checker player - who plays to win,
by using right moves and choices - two very helpful tools..
Keep thoughts of making - each new day that comes,
full of right choices - for your own highest good..
And, at days' end - you'll find your soul's treasure,
has graced your day - just as you knew it would.

And now Charly:

As he walked the dusty trail to where the Old Fort country store stood, he scanned the scene before him- Snow-capped mountains off in the distance and part of the Rockies. One could revisit days of long ago when Outlaws and Rangers roamed this land. How he loved the history of the Old West. Jason entered the store. Off to the left, on a pickle barrel, was a CHINESE checkers game, placed ready for the next move. On the wall behind the counter hung a holster with a six-shooter. The gal behind the counter asking if she could help him, was dressed in calico and had a SANGUINE disposition. She spoke as tho she lived in the 1850s and had the western script down pat. Keeping with the past he ordered a Sarsaparilla. Gazing around the store he saw BROKEN BONES of a buffalo in a wooden bin and walked over to read the sign placed there. The bones were for sale at a penny a piece. He bought 5 and once wrapped, placed them in his jacket pocket. A newspaper on a chair near the door was dated 1852..a great read from that era. Balled-up paper that had been tossed and missed the GARBAGE pail was behind the chair. Finishing his drink he bid the gal goodbye and left the store. Outside the store was a bench. Suddenly feeling very weary he sat down and closed his eyes. Voices sounded far off and then near. He felt something cool on his forehead and opened his eyes. He saw his friends gathered around him, concerned. It seems he had been struck on the head at the construction site as he worked with his SLIDE RULE; an over-loaded backhoe moving wood had passed too close. Some of the wood fell on him and knocked him out-- his friends had moved him to the bench. As he focused, he looked around the building site where they were repairing parts of the Old Fort that had been there since the 1850's. He was almost sorry he had 'come-to' as he had experienced such a realistic dream of days gone by. He told his friends he was fine and slowly stood up. As he put his slide rule in his pocket, he felt something there. Wondering what he had stashed there, he pulled out a small packet and as he opened it up, stared in awe. There before him in his hand were 5 broken bones. Was it only a dream?

And finally, the Blogger's pathetic attempt to live up to Charly & Kit!

The slightly built Chinese man quietly slipped into the alley. Tucked behind the garbage was a small door. The last time he had entered the alley, he had ended up with broken bones. Yet, the call of the siren was too great for him to resist, so after a furtive look around, he ducked through the door and moved forward quietly, not wanting to disturb those who had already arrived. He approached the green door at the end of the passageway with trepidation and anticipation both. His heart raced, and his respiration increased. Quietly tapping the coded entry requirements onto the electronic panel he entered. The brightly lit room hummed with creative energy. True to form, he was searched thoroughly. No electronic products were allowed in this sanctum. The occupants of the room eschewed computers and electronics in their search for the solution. The thought process was that they must be able to communicate at the most basic level of technology as the project moved forward. Search finished, the door guard motioned him to take a place at the table.

Huddled at the various spots were men and women of all races and colors. Each was bent over a slide rule, furiously making calculations and notations. Yet, as he took his place, those across from and beside him, glanced up and greeted him with smiles. He smiled back, took out his slide rule, and joined in their machinations. Although it would be a long night, he relaxed into the company of like-minded people. There was an urgency and anticipation in the air tonight, perhaps due to the new year. The entire group was sanguine about their project’s potential success. Perhaps this would be the year that they would be able to decipher the message of the stars in order to achieve First Contact.

Wordzzle Saturday

Raven hosts a fun meme. She gives us words, we make a story or paragraph from them. You can choose to use 5 (the mini), 10 (the challenge) or all 15 (the maxi). Then you post yours, link to hers, and visit the other talented writers who have done the same. It's fun, and fat-free, so try it! If you'd like to join the Reston Friends doing so, e-mail us and we'll get you started!

KIT:

The nature of the beast - can be seen in man,

as forms of emotions - we sometimes express..

When we get carried away - in situations,

that may not be - for our soul-growth best..

It's found in the person - who acts in anger,

letting it control - their every mood..

And may lead to times - of hurt feelings,

leading friendships into - a lifelong feud.

Another form of a - sleeping beast,

may be heard in a - braggarts speech..

With identical thoughts - of only black & white,

the softness of charcoal - is never reached..

For they're so busy - touting their own self,

that true appreciation - is often overlooked..

So, if you ever feel - you're experiencing a beast,

take a vacation - or sit and read a favorite book.

CHARLY:

In the country far from the city, the LIBERATION of noise, fumes, and pollution was wonderful. A light snow was falling as we approached the house. We could hear music from inside the home; LOVE IS A MANY SPLENDORED THING by the Four Aces. As we went up the steps, we noticed a wreath made of ORGANIC berries, small brass items with angel SYMBOLS, greenery and ribbons hanging on the door. It appeared professionally done and COSTLY, but one that would last the season. Grandma opened the door and greeted us with a hug only a grandma could give. As we entered, the smell of fresh baked bread filled the air. Heading into the kitchen, on the counter was another loaf RISING awaiting destiny with the oven. There's little that's better tasting than hot homemade bread. Grandpa, a TRUCKS INSPECTOR, must have thought the same. A hunk was missing from the center of the baked loaf, and Grandpa saying ' Hi, Kids!', had a SMUG look on his face. With dishtowel in hand, Grandma gave him a whack and 'the look' ..as in, I told you not to touch it as it needed to cool. Well we all know it's best when hot..not being able to resist, Gary & I looked at one another and reaching over each pulled off a hunk. Umm, with melted butter oozing from the crevices, it can't get better. Oh, how NAUGHTY we were, but it was so good. Grandma looked at the three of us, shaking her head and knowing she could not win this battle, burst out laughing as she reached for her own piece. Can't you just taste it?

BLOGGER: (To see earlier installations, search for Wordzzle in the search box)

The next morning, Danae broke away from her office around ten. As she strolled down the block towards Miz Trent’s house, she noticed the trucks out front. They were from the city inspector’s office and were covered with symbols designed to give one confidence in the officials. She waved to the inspector who was in the yard examining the power and gas hookups.

As Danae went inside she called to Miz Trent, “I’m here, Miz Trent.” It was a pleasure to hear the joy in Miz Trent’s voice as she called back, “in the living room, Danae!” The sweet little old lady was tucked into the recliner listening to music on an iPod. Danae had to smile. “What are you listening to?” she asked. Miz Trent smiled back, “my grand nephew gave me this. He put what he called “old people music” on it. Right now I’m enjoying Mr. Englebert Humperdinck singing ‘Love is a Many Splendored Thing.’” Danae couldn’t decide whether to be smug or horrified that she had actually heard of the singer.

“I can’t stay long today – I’m taking a break from my office. But I’ll be back this evening with some supper for us to share. How about a totally organic salad from the co-op garden? We don’t use any pesticides or anything like that. Would that be alright with you?”

“Of course, sweetie!” answered Miz Trent. “But that means we need to get busy right now so I can tell you about Cecile!” Danae relaxed into the sofa with her laptop to listen and record.

“The winds were rising something fierce. Susanne was frantic. She knew Cecile had been naughty disappearing like she had but at that moment, she didn’t care.

She went up and down the block calling Cecile. She asked all the neighbors. Even the neighbors who had shunned them because of their mixed marriage responded to the plea for help to find a lost child in the face of the storm. But it was no use. She was no where to be found.

Now something you need to know about that money. Susanne and Reynaud had had some serious disagreements about it. She wanted to use it to buy that farm away from the port. She knew that the sea would always have some call on Reynaud and that in town, as a black man, Reynaud would always be treated like hired help. But Reynaud wanted to keep the money hidden away for what he called his ‘liberation’ day. He told Susanne the money was ‘liberation’ for her if something happened to him. After one particularly angry argument over it, Reynaud told her he was going to hide the money where she’d never see it again and so she might as well stop talking about it. That ugly argument had occurred that morning right before Reynaud had been called out to help. Cecile couldn’t have helped but hear it.

You can imagine that Susanne, with her husband gone and her child missing and a hurricane bearing down on her was distraught. She finally decided to go down to the dock to see if Cecile had gone that direction to find her papa. Fighting the wind and the driving rains, Susanne headed toward the port area. As she got near 4^th Street and Winston, she could barely see anything. Debris was flying around, and she was in great danger. Crossing the intersection was treacherous because of the water and wind trying to push her off her feet. There was no traffic, and she didn’t see another soul.

And then all of a sudden she saw a figure trudging through the darkness towards her. As the figure grew closer she saw it was a man carrying a bundle. With her heart in her throat, she knew this was Reynaud and Cecile. He didn’t say a word or even stop. He just went by her, carrying his bundle. Susanne turned and followed him back to the house.

When they got inside, he laid Cecile down on the sofa and went back outside to finish hammering the shutters on the house. Susanne knelt down to the little figure and started unwrapping the all-weather cloak wrapped around her. Susanne gasped when she saw what the child had clutched in her arms. It was that cursed money. The young mother took her child in her arms and began to sob. Eventually Reynaud came in and sat down and put his arms around his wife and child. They sat like that, all three together, until the storm was over. Then they buried Cecile, with the money still wrapped in her arms, in a secret place in the house so that she would always be with them, but so they would never be tempted to let the money divide them once more.

They eventually had many other children, and the story of Cecile was passed down. By the time it got to my husband’s generation, no one really knew where the money was anymore. Until your workers found her, Cecile’s resting place was secure.”

Miz Trent paused. “Danae, do you think there’s enough of that money for us to give Cecile a proper burial with her momma and daddy over at Spring Street Cemetery? And maybe enough for me to be buried with them when it’s time?”

Danae blinked back tears and answered gently, “Miz Trent, I’m sure of it.”

Next Week NO WORDZZLE! And everyone, enjoy your Thanksgiving! Remember also that the library will closed THURSDAY AND FRIDAY (26th & 27th).

And for your listening/viewing pleasure, a very young Englebert Humperdinck:

Wordzzle Saturday

Wow -- I can't believe how late this is. I completely forgot to post them this morning. The Wordzzle is a game created and hosted by Raven. If you'd like to play, check her site, write something up, and e-mail it to us or post it on your own blog and link to Raven!

Words for this week's challenge were: officer, candid, drowning, turtles, sugar-coated, prospecting, shame on you, recliner, luggage, brains And for the mini: paragon of virtue, cats-in-the-cradle, swamp, sprinkles, garbage

KIT:

How much nicer - the World would be,

if we could become - a paragon of virtue..

By practicing traits - we've learned from birth,

by parents - who were sent to us for nurture..

Like being kind & thoughtful - considerate of others,

and loving - to all creatures and mankind..

These are the blessings - we all can share,

if we'd stop to consider - the ties that bind..

Ties that bind us to life - and to one another,

like cats-in-the-cradle - who snuggled together..

They know their love - is to be shared,

for they're not restrained - by any kind of tether..

But man's restraint - is the garbage held in mind,

allowing memories of the past - to swamp their days..

Shake those old thoughts off - like sprinkles of rain,

So your life can move forward - without any delays.

CHARLY:

Magnolia Trace, a beautiful plantation surrounded by magnolia trees, was the home of Susanna, a southern belle. She now sat on the steps of the veranda playing the game CATS-IN-THE-CRADLE. She was bored! Being a PARAGON OF VIRTUE was maddening for she longed for adventure and excitement. She watched the neighboring plantation owners nearing the river where canoes would take them into the SWAMP. They were in search of contraband rumored to have been stashed there by the pirate, Jean Lafitte. Some say it was chests containing silver and gold with SPRINKLES of diamonds scattered within and was buried deep in the swampland; others laughed at the pursuit of such a quest. She slowly got up and strolled towards the river where the group was to board the canoes. Jasper, the kitchen help, was throwing GARBAGE into the river when bubbles appeared and an alligator surfaced..the men stopped in their tracks gawking at this 8 foot long creature. As it swam closer to the bank they began scrambling back up the incline to safety leaving the canoes behind. As the alligator reached the bank eating the scraps tossed, Susanna thought perhaps she should return with the men; after all, these creatures are known for speed and as a southerner, she moved as a lady... the alligator looked about and made a move to come aground, she decided perhaps this is one time she didn't need to be graceful. She hiked up her gown, turned around and started running back to the house, passing the men. As she reached the steps, her mother stood with hands on hips and said, 'Oh! Susanna, put down your skirt; ladies do not run about showing their ankles. The alligator lost interest and sinking back into the water swam away. The men decided they'd save their search for another day. Susanna figured she'd just have to accept that having a song written for her by her friend Stephen, was excitement enough...

BLOGGER:

The old lady was candid with Danae. “My husband’s people didn’t always choose the best or easiest way to go about things. Their feeling was that if you were fooled by a sugar-coated version of life, then shame on you. They met their challenges head on using their brains and some luck to survive. Reynaud and Susanne made their home together here. They didn’t have much luggage but there was the one valise with the patent money in it that Reynaud kept well hidden. Putting off buying a farm, he got a job with the local fishermen who gathered turtles when they were available and risked drowning out in the Gulf when prospecting for bigger fish.

When Cecile was born she was a beautiful child. She had all the beauty of her mother’s dark eyes and delicate features, and the richness of her father’s dark skin and lovely smile. One day when she was about three a terrible storm blew in. That was before we had the weather channel to tell us to get ready. The fishermen could tell it would be a big storm, but they had no idea how big. Reynaud came home early to help prepare for the blow. An officer of the law came looking for him telling him he and all the other men had to go back to help get the boats ready. He was candid with the officer telling him he’d rather stay and protect his family, but the man insisted. Reynaud kissed Susanne and Cecile and left with the man. Susanne continued hammering the shutters closed and moving things to the highest point in the house. As long as Susanne could hear Cecilie humming and singing, she knew she was playing nearby. Around lunchtime she realized she hadn’t heard Cecile’s music for a little while. She looked throughout the house, and in the yard, and realized Cecile was gone.”

Miz Trent leaned back into the sofa and paused, “Sweetie, will you get me a glass of water?” Danae cheerfully jumped up from the recliner and headed for the kitchen. When she returned Miz Trent was dozing. Danae put the water down next to her, adjusted her blanket, and tiptoed out of the room.

Words for next week's 10-word challenge are: love is a many splendored thing, trucks, inspector, symbols, rising, organic, liberation, costly, smug, naughty


And for the mini: the nature of the beast, identical, charcoal, braggart, vacation